Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.)

The highway exit is La Spezia (A12). Drive through the city and, past the stadium, take the second exit at the roundabout onto the only uphill road to join the coastal road (Litoranea) connecting La Spezia to the Cinque Terre. After a few kilometers, you will find the junction on the right leading down to the village, at the entrance of which there is a ZTL (Restricted Traffic Zone).

At the covered 'Rio Park' garage (approx. €35/day) or along limited stretches of the coastal road, but spaces are scarce.

La Spezia offers more parking options (most of them paid) and is only an 8-minute train ride from Riomaggiore.

Yes, the 'Cinque Terre Express' is fast, frequent (every 15–20 min in high season) and connects all the villages stress-free. Ticket prices vary by season.

The 'Trekking Card' is worth it for paid trails like the Sentiero Azzurro. The 'Train Card' pays off if you plan to take more than three train trips per day.

They operate from late March to October. The views are spectacular, but services are cancelled when the sea is rough.

Ca' della Valletta enjoys a strategic location: just 100 metres from the station and 80 metres from the marina. Right at the front door is Osteria la Torpedine, while a minimarket and tobacconist are only 50 metres away (the nearest ATM is at the station).

To visit the upper part of the village without climbing steep stairs:

• Church of San Giovanni Battista: take the bus from the 'Riomaggiore' stop in front of the property and alight at the first stop ('Riomaggiore Chiesa'), 90 metres from the church.
• Castle (200 m): walk through the tunnel towards the station; just outside on the right there is a free lift (free for holders of the 'Carta del Turista', reserved for guests of registered accommodation — not to be confused with the Cinque Terre Card). The castle is 100 metres from the lift exit. Alternatively, take the bus to the 'Riomaggiore Castello' stop.

Ca' della Valletta is only 100 metres from the station via a flat route. However, there are 10 steps at the entrance and steep internal stairs to reach the rooms — typical of historic buildings in the Cinque Terre. If needed, I am personally available to help with luggage, or I can arrange a luggage transfer service.

We don't have internal luggage storage. Early drop-off in the room is possible by prior arrangement. There are two paid luggage storage services at the station and a few metres from us.

Wi-Fi is free, fast and covers the whole property. Each room has its own independent air conditioning unit that guests can adjust themselves.

The crowds are mainly felt between 10:00 and 17:00, when the village is busy with day-trippers. Choosing to stay in Riomaggiore is precisely the secret to rising above this: experiencing the Cinque Terre at your own pace transforms the trip into an immersive journey, far removed from the typical rushed tour. You will have the privilege of enjoying the magic of the harbour at sunset and the silence of the early morning, when mass tourism is absent.

Yes, it reopened in 2024. A trekking card is required (available online or at info points). We recommend visiting early in the morning.

Yes — in high season the best spots fill up days in advance.

Besides the Via dell'Amore, the trail to the Sanctuary of Montenero offers the most beautiful view of the entire coastline.

Trains keep running. You can visit the castles, historic churches or local museums in the various villages.